Synching iPhone/Pad to a New Computer

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Level 1

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Synching iPhone/Pad to a New Computer

Hey! Apple Support suggested I ask this here. I just got my first MacBook as I can only open my old Dell in 'Safe Mode'. I was able to grab my whole ITunes folder which included all my music and movies. I also saw a 'Playlist' folder in the iTunes Folder.

But when I tried to synch my iPhone to my new MacBook iTunes, it said that

a) I would lose my stuff when I synched - which I did because I moved all my aps, music and movies

b) It said something about only being able to synch to 5 computers and this was 4 out of 5.

So how do I turn off my old computer then? I opened iTunes in safe mode on the Dell and deauthorized the account but I don't think that did it. Any advice here?

c) My playlists did not pop up. How do I get my playlists over to my new iTunes because I love my playlists 🙂

d) My iPhone has every single Ap I ever put on my phone and in NONE of my nicely ordered folders 🙂 Can I get those back somehow?

Thanks for any advice!!

Posted on Jul 12, 2012 10:25 AM

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Answer 1

Limnos

Level 10

411,109 points

Jul 12, 2012 11:44 AM in response to KristiBug

I'm finding elements of your post confusing. 🙂

I have never heard of a "playlist folder". iTunes stores playlists in the main iTunes library.itl database file.

The easy way to get your phone to synch to your old library is to move the old one to the new computer:

iTunes: How to move [or copy] your music to a new computer [or another drive] - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4527

Quick answer if you use iTunes default preferences settings: Copy the entire iTunes folder (and in doing so all its subfolders and files) intact to the other drive. Start iTunes with the option (shift on Windows) key held down and guide it to the new location of the library.

An idevice can only be synced to one computer at a time.

You can have up to 5 computers authorized for iTunes content at a time.

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Answer 2

KristiBug Author

Level 1

12 points

Jul 12, 2012 11:53 AM in response to Limnos

Heck - I confuse myself 🙂 Thanks SO much for replying though!

Playlists - I copied the library.itl database file and my playlists did not move over. Should I try it again?

I just looked and in my Music folder I had Amazon MP3, iTunes, and Playlists. I was probably mistakenly thinking the Playlist folder was my iTunes playlists.

My music is all here, I just want my playlists 🙂

"An idevice can only be synced to one computer at a time" so once I synch with this new computer, I am fine?

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Answer 3

Limnos

Level 10

411,109 points

Jul 12, 2012 11:58 AM in response to KristiBug

Do you have a complete iTunes folder? One containing a library.itl file, Media folder, and an assortment of other things? iTunes is very fussy about everything being nice and neat and the best way to ensure that it it is happy is to move over a complete folder, not bits and pieces. That's why the instructions above say copy the whole iTunes folder.

I am guessing that "playlists" file/folder has something to do with Amazon or some other software you use.

What are the iTunes library files? - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1660

More on iTunes library files and what they do - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ITunes#Media_management

What are all those iTunes files? - http://www.macworld.com/article/139974/2009/04/itunes_files.html

iTunes 9 [and later]: Understanding iTunes Media Organization - http://support.apple.com/kb/ht3847

Image of iTunes folder structure Dec. 2011 - https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3547807?answerId=16923545022#16923545022
see also:
Image of folder structure and explanation of different iTunes versions (turingtest2 post) - https://discussions.apple.com/thread/2741246?answerId=13025536022#13025536022 and https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3700206?answerId=17457605022#17457605022

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Answer 4

KristiBug Author

Level 1

12 points

Jul 12, 2012 12:04 PM in response to Limnos

Yes, I copied the entire Music folder just to be sure. I have all the Media files, all the other files.

I will look at that link and compare, just to be sure and check it out. Thanks for your help!

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Answer 5

Limnos

Level 10

411,109 points

Jul 12, 2012 12:19 PM in response to KristiBug

"An idevice can only be synced to one computer at a time" so once I synch with this new computer, I am fine?

The trick is, you are syncing with the new computer but with the old iTunes collection on it. Basically the phone should not know the difference.

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